When cash flow turned positive and profits started coming in, the co-founder of an Internet start-up sought his advisory board's approval for new expenses. What he got was a barrage of questions: "Where are next year's projections? What's your mission statement?" As the business grew, the board made sure it stayed on track financially, raising prices as well as morale. And when the company was acquired, everybody cashed in.

Are today's newly wealthy entrepreneurs robber barons or 21st-century heroes? Those who profit from the process of wealth creation are under increasing pressure to apply their skills and business experience to philanthropic ventures.

Adaptation to change is a top priority for the founder of a fast-growing company that provides information-management solutions for home-care agencies. Leadership sets the standards for performance. But the bottom line is the bottom line, especially in tighter capital markets. The best way to foster endurance is to build value by satisfying your paying customers.

After selling her first company, a newly wealthy software entrepreneur felt that writing checks to charity wasn't enough. So, she set up a nonprofit that runs a business employing disadvantaged young people. Then she joined an organization advocating economic fairness in society. Now she's providing for her daughter's education and learning about investment strategies.

Entrepreneurs can benefit from seeking to be paired for a fee with a mentor who provides guidance and support, says the author, who pursued such a formal mentorship upon the founding of her second venture. With new skills to learn in an operating company as opposed to her previous professional-services concern, this entrepreneur reports developing company-building tactics as well as respect for mentoring itself.

A wingman flying beside the fighter pilot is what separates the true ace from the merely great, writes the founder of a company that was sold for $270 million. A look at the characteristics of his own essential second-in-command provides a guide for entrepreneurs seeking the same.

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